Agent responds to fresh reports that Newcastle United have submitted £21.7m transfer offer

The agent of Angelo Gabriel has played down speculation that Newcastle United have submitted a £21.7million bid to sign the Brazilian wonderkid.

The Magpies reportedly had an opening offer rejected by Santos FC in July after head of recruitment Steve Nickson flew to South America to watch the 17-year-old forward in action against Flamengo.

United have continued to monitor Gabriel’s progress and fresh reports in Brazil have claimed a second bid has been lodged. However, Rodrigo Alija, one of Gabriel’s representatives, has denied that to be the case.

Alija said: “So far, we don’t have anything concrete and we’re not going to talk about any polls or any ongoing negotiations. If, and when there is something concrete, it will be reported.”

Gabriel, who turns 18 in December, is under contract at Santos until 2024 and has a £52m release but the club’s president Andres Rueda is reportedly willing to accept £26m.

It’s understood Barcelona have first refusal to purchase Gabriel at £30m but the belief in Brazil is the La Liga giants are unlikely to intervene.

The South American talent, who has already made more than 90 appearances, is the youngest-ever goalscorer in the Copa Libertadores and the third-youngest player to play for Santos, who have produced once in a generation talents Pele and Neymar in the past.